Dayton has made improving the state's water quality a marquee issue for his final term in office. But Republicans who control the Legislature have included measures in budget bills that would weaken the Public Utilities Commission's power to regulate new pipelines, delay the onset of buffer strips to improve water quality and remove money from environmental funds.

Dayton spoke at a rally for Water Action Day at the Capitol on Wednesday. He says several business interests and lobbying groups are pushing to weaken environmental standards.

Environmental groups and advocates have strongly criticized the Republican-led effort. They say several proposed provisions would cripple water quality standards and weaken environmental regulations.

A series of water quality Town Hall meetings are set including a date in Crookston on September 5th.

Talk Show Host, Operations Manager

Longtime radio man about town, Jarrod Thomas has been everything from talk show host to sports broadcaster to morning man on sister station Lite Rock 104.3FM. His talk show on 1310 KNOX brings you the perspective of the everyman, with just the right flair of humor to make your morning a little brighter.